Intel\’s release of the new Pentium III processor was hyped up quite a bit. Here we have this new, great processor that is supposed to out-do the Pentium II. This is all great. But, in this new processor Intel started up a new idea, one that would eventually spark much controversy. And that is tagging each Pentium III processor with a unique serial number.

You ask, \”What\’s the big deal?\” Well, every processor will have a hard-coded, 64-bit serial number. Intel states that this serial number was incorporated to act as another layer of security for e-commerce transactions. Opponents state that it starts the ball rolling on allowing user data to be transmitted over the internet without their knowledge. This aids web sites in tracking abilities. Also, it is argued that web sites could have the capability of restricting use to Pentium III users only, although this would make no sense for any site who wishes to gain lots of traffic.

Intel argues that no web site could grab the information behind the scenes without the user finding out about it. In order to read the number, the web site would have to push an executable file onto the user\’s machine. On a web browser with any security features turned on, the user would receive a warning and allow the option of refusal. Besides, according to Intel, if a site pushes an executable over to your computer, the least of your worries will be the serial number. It could be doing much more damaging things.

Besides Intel\’s argument, which is a good one, they have provided a utility that allows the user to control whether the serial number feature is turned on or off. It defaults to on, but if the user turns it off, it changes the Windows registry and retains the setting.

The other side argues that this is burdensome. It places the burden on the end user. Besides, the utility came out after the processor did and only then for the Windows platform. The concern is that web sites could start stockpiling serial numbers and even sell them as tracking information.

So far, this technology has only been implemented into the Pentium III. The Pentium III Xeon and mobile versions should be getting it soon. Intel plans on incorporating it into their Pentium II and Celeron lines as well. Intel plans on making the technology available for other companies to use, but so far none are interested. The other big company, AMD, understands why Intel did this, but due to the controversy surrounding it, has decided to first try to find other ways.

For more info, check out http://support.intel.com/support/processors/pentiumiii/psu.htm